Author Archives: meritsoftware

Common Core ELA Help Available Now

The new Common Core Standards for English Language place a strong emphasis  on writing. In the United States, forty-five of the fifty states, plus certain territories, have adopted the new Common Core State Standards Initiative. Students will need to learn … Continue reading

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Helping Diverse Levels of Students

One of the most striking aspects of the Merit Online Learning system is the wide range of student levels instructors use the system with successfully.  Merit Online Learning is used in elementary school classrooms, secondary schools, English language learning programs, … Continue reading

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Making Data in Manageable for Teachers

Teachers are often challenged about how to use data to monitor student learning. We are able to monitor all students who use the Merit Online Learning system.  Data does not have to complicate teaching.  Data can easily answer a few … Continue reading

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Open Punch Beta Program

Merit Software is seeking a limited number of beta users for a new online writing instruction program. Open Punch helps students learn to write paragraphs on Narrative, Fact-Based, or Opinion topics.   Instructors may assign their own writing prompts (within certain … Continue reading

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English Vocabulary and College Admissions

In a recent blog post, the New York Times addresses the growing and passionate interest students from India and China, particularly Indian students, have in top American colleges and universities. A number of questions about applying to American colleges and … Continue reading

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$5 Reading and Grammar Programs – Limited Time Offer

Merit Software is offering Reading Skill Builder and Grammar Fitness for just $5 each per level (regularly $27 – save 70%). Offer expires Friday, December 16, 2011 at 5:00pm EST. For Home Users: To take advantage of this offer, visit … Continue reading

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Progress in Reading Scores?

Earlier this month the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress report on 4th and 8th grade reading and math scores were released by the U.S. National Center for Educational Statistics.   Reading scores continued to show no progress.

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Teens IQ Scores May Fluctuate Dramatically Over Time

A teen’s IQ is not set in stone, according to a study published this month in Nature. In fact, the standard measure of intelligence — often used to predict future success — can fluctuate dramatically. “It was NOT the case … Continue reading

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Improving Writing Support

According to a new report, there are three effective strategies instructors can employ to improve student writing skills. Published by the Alliance for Excellent Education, the report examines whether formative assessment can improve students’ writing skills and what techniques are … Continue reading

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Congratulations – Aztec High School!

Laurie Treat, librarian at Aztec High School, Aztec, NM, wrote in to tell us exciting news. She won a Conoco Phillips grant to purchase Merit reading comprehension software for remediation and RtI for students who are non-proficient in reading.

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